The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has issued an official list of invited groups for the long awaited Lantern Parade festival on April 26, 2025.

This yearly event, which is known to be a bright celebration of Sierra Leone’s different cultures, is expected to attract a diverse spectrum of people from all regions and communities.

The Lantern Parade, a highlight of the country’s cultural calendar, is famous for its bright display of handcrafted lanterns that are marched across the streets to commemorate togetherness, tradition, and innovation.

This year’s festival will include 35 lantern groups from Wellington, Portee, Kissy Dockyard, Clinetonians, Krohgimi, Mighty Endeavour, Magazine, Babilionian, Bantu’s, Super Combo, Bombay Stars, Fire Stone, Ishrine, Texas, Congo Town, Lion Arts, Portuguese Town, Aberdeen Road, Aberdeen, Wilberforce, Tengbeh Town, Dwarzak Farm, New England Ville, Brookfields, Baimbrace, Moa Wharf, Montego Bay, Ascentonians, Vimto,  RSLAF First Battalion, King Jimmy, Independent F. Bay Rd, Sierra Leone Scouts Association, Kuntorior, and Grassfield, with their own distinct themes and cultural expressions.

The selected groups represent various kinds of local communities, cultural traditions, and artistic talents.

Each group will help to ensure the event’s success by creating and displaying lanterns that represent Sierra Leone’s creativity and rich heritage.